Shloka 24
अर्जुनस्य दिग्विजयारम्भः — Arjuna Initiates the Northern Campaign and Secures Bhagadattta’s Tribute
उभौ परमसंदहृष्टौ बलेन बलिनां वरौ | अन्योन्यस्यान्तरं प्रेप्सू परस्परजयैषिणौ
ubhau paramasaṃdahṛṣṭau balena balināṃ varau | anyonyasyāntaraṃ prepsū parasparajayaiṣiṇau ||
Kedua-duanya, yang terunggul dalam kalangan yang gagah, amat teruja oleh kekuatan sendiri. Masing-masing mengintai ruang terbuka pada lawan—kelalaian atau kelemahan—dan masing-masing berhasrat meraih kemenangan ke atas yang lain dengan daya semata-mata.
श्रीकृष्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse portrays how the pursuit of victory can become dominated by pride in strength and a vigilant search for the opponent’s weakness. Ethically, it invites reflection on the difference between mere power-contest mentality and conduct guided by restraint, fairness, and dharma.
Two powerful champions are described as highly energized and eager to defeat each other. They closely watch for any opening—any lapse or vulnerability—in the other, intending to secure victory through force.